THE WAR.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 April 1917, Page 8

THE WAR.

MOTHER COUNTRY. STATE PURCHASE OF LIQUOR TRADE. DELAYED BY COMPENSATION OBSTACLES. | Australian-N.Z. Cable Association. Received April 5, 11 p.m. London, April o. The Times states the Government purchase of the liquor trade has been deferred owing to the compensation obstacles. IMPERIAL WAR CONFERENCE. MESSAGE FROM THE ICING. •Received April 6, S p.m. .London, April &. The Press Bureau states: The King sent a message to the Imperial War Conference thanking it for its assurance of the devoted loyalty of all part 3 of the Empire. He was glad that India was represented for the first time, and trusted the conference would lead to the knitting of the whole Empire until the efforts put forth would 'bring the war to a victorious conclusion. A .VICTOSIA CROSS AWARD. London, April 4. A Gazette has lieen issued which announces that the Victoria Cross has been awarded to Sergeant F. W. Palmer, of the Royal Fusiliers, who is also promoted to second-lieutenant. When his. officers were shot down he took command of the> company and hacked a way through wire entanglements under, point-blank mafchine-gun fire. He captured and held vital positions' against eight successive counter-attacks. This very conspicuous bravery cannot be overstated. His splendid determination and devotion undoubtedly averted wliat might have proved to be a serious disaster. RUSSIA. RELEASED FROM EXILE. Received April 5, 8 p.m. Petrograd. 4. Six Social Democratic members of the Duma have been released from exile in Siberia. They met with an enthusi- [ astic welcome. AUSTRO-GERMANY. I GERMAN OFFICIAL MESSAGE. I Received April 5, 8 p.m. London, April 4. A wireless German official message states: Westward of St. Quentin the French paid heavily for the ground gained. We downed nine aeroplanes and two balloons. We captured the bridgehead at Tol'by, in the middle of the Stokliod, with mucli booty. DOMINION'S PART. FREIGHTS TO BE RAISED. NOT PASSENGER FARES. Wellington, April 5. It is understood that the schedule of intercolonial and coastal freights will be adjusted- in a week or two. This adjustment lias been the second increase in freight charges since the outbreak of the> war. Over a year ngo an increase of 5s per ton was made in intercolonial freights, while coastal rates were raised by 2s Od. It was pointed out on that occasion that the wages through tne whole of the shipping services had been considerably increased, while the working charges respecting coal and all stores had'been abnormally augmented owing to war conditions. Since, tlien wages have further increased, while other charges have been similarly affected to a heavier degree than before. For these reasons the present .rates will certainly be increased, probably to a similar extent as last year. Respecting the intercolonial and coastal services, with a slightly heavier impost regarding general coastal- produce, fares will not be increased.